Sandringham Half Marathon gets the Royal stamp of approval

The Sandringham Half Marathon took place on Sunday, 20th June and is sure to become an annual event in the local calendar after its debut success.

Whilst the drizzly weather conditions may have suited the runners rather than the spectators, the surprise appearance of Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who hooted the start to the event, not only inspired the 1,500 runners on the day but also everyone in attendance.

The scenic course weaves its way through the royal estate providing a glimpse of the wonderful grounds including a stage of the half marathon passing Sandringham House itself.

 

Ricky Bailey (West Norfolk AC) Photo: Run Sandringham / Epic Action Imagery

In the end, the blue ribbon events were comprehensively won by Dave Hudson (Huntingdonshire AC) who won the men’s event in 1 hour 8 minutes and Kate Murrell (Tri-Anglia TC) who won the ladies event in 1 hour 26 minutes. The 5k event was won by Ashley Gilbert (Dereham Runners AC) and Marie French. The winner of the Community Run was local 17 year old runner Cameron Raven (Runners Next the Sea)

Dave Hudson (Huntingdonshire AC) Photo: Tim Keogh

Kate Murrell (Tri-Anglia TC) Photo: Run Sandringham / Epic Action Imagery

Marie French winner of 5K ladies event and 5th overall wearing number 2097 Photo: Ian Burt

Marie French with Max Parsley (North Norfolk Harriers) who came 4th. Photo: Run Sandringham / Epic Action Imagery

Race Director Aaron Murrell said: “We had over 1400 runners take part in the event at Sandringham Estate on Sunday. 

"We were really pleased to see so many people join us for our inaugural event here. 

"We were really happy that HRH The Duke of Cambridge joined us as our Official Race Starter - along with his two children George and Charlotte. 

"The runners really enjoyed seeing them there as our special guests, and there was a fantastic atmosphere within the event village as they joined us on stage to start the Half Marathon event. We were pleased to support three fantastic local charities ourselves as organisers, in East Anglian Air Ambulance, Break and East Anglian Children's Hospices. 

"Our fantastic participants too chose to raise money themselves for the causes close to their own hearts, including Asthma UK, Scottys Little Soldiers and British Heart Foundation. 

"Our special thanks also to our amazing team of staff and volunteers without whom the event would not have been possible. 

"We are looking forward to being back at Sandringham Estate for the Run Sandringham 10K on Sunday 26th September 2021, for which there are limited entries still available, and the Half Marathon, 5K and Community Mile Running Festival in 2022”.

For the full results please visit www.totalracetiming.co.uk

A full feature and photographs of the event will follow in the August edition of the Town and Around magazine.